Washington, D.C. [US], August 4 (ANI): Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House, on Sunday (local time) stated that it was unacceptable for India to purchase Russian oil, alleging that the move effectively “financed” the crisis in Ukraine.
In an interview with Fox News, Miller claimed that India has “ties” with China in purchasing oil from Russia.
“It is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia. People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact,” he said.
Miller also said that U.S. President Donald Trump has a “tremendous” relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that peace options for the region remain on the table.
“President Trump has always had a tremendous relationship with India and the Prime Minister. But we have to get real about dealing with the financing of this war. All options are on the table—diplomatic, financial, and otherwise—to address the ongoing war in Ukraine, so we can achieve peace in the war that the Democratic Party and Joe Biden are responsible for,” he stated.
Miller further alleged that India does not accept U.S. products and imposes massive tariffs on American goods.
“India doesn’t accept our products; they impose massive tariffs on us. We also know they engage in a lot of cheating on immigration policies. It is very harmful to American workers, and of course, we again see the purchasing of oil,” he added.
Earlier, on August 1, Trump claimed that India may stop purchasing Russian oil, calling it “a good step” if confirmed. India, however, has defended its sovereign right to pursue an energy policy based on its national interest.
Media reports on July 31 indicated that Indian state-run refiners had suspended purchases of Russian oil amid tariff threats from Trump and narrowing price discounts. However, Indian sources have since rebutted these reports, clarifying that Indian refiners continue to buy Russian crude based on commercial viability.
Russian oil has never been sanctioned by either the United States or the European Union. Instead, it has been subjected to a G7/EU price-cap mechanism intended to limit Russian revenues while keeping global supplies stable. Indian refiners’ purchases have remained fully legitimate under international frameworks. (ANI)
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